Five Effective Water Conservation Tips for Temple Residents

TEMPLE, TX (August 31, 2023)  Experiencing drought and record-high heat throughout the summer, the City of Temple announced the implementation of Stage 2 Moderate Water Shortage restrictions on August 4. The goal of Stage 2 restrictions is a 10% reduction in water use. The mandatory restrictions currently in place include:

  • Limiting the irrigation of landscaped areas to two days per week (as assigned by street address number) and irrigating landscapes only before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. on designated watering days, unless watering by hand-held means.
    • Sundays and Thursdays for water customers with a street address ending in an even number (0,2,4,6, or 8).
    • Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7, or 9).
  • Filling, refilling, or adding to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, or Jacuzzi-type pools only on designated watering days as listed above.
  • Operating fountains or ponds only to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a re-circulation system.
  • Irrigating golf courses only on designated watering days before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m., unless the course utilizes a water source other than that provided by the City of Temple.
  • Not washing down hard-surfaced areas (driveways, tennis courts, etc.), flushing gutters, using water for dust control, or washing down buildings, except for fire protection.
  • Understanding that restaurants are prohibited from serving water, except by request.

In addition to implementing these restrictions, below are five tips on how Temple residents can further conserve water to help reduce consumption and preserve resources.

Limit Indoor Water Use
Watering your lawn and garden only on designated days and during permitted hours limits outdoor water use, and it is important to limit indoor water use as well. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, and only running the dishwasher with a full load are all ways to conserve water from indoor activities.

Use Water-Efficient Appliances
Ensure home appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are set to their most water-saving settings. Additionally, investing in water-efficient appliances such as low-flow toilets can also help to reduce water use while still getting chores done.  

Sweep, Don’t Hose
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios. If a spot calls for water, use a hose with a high-efficiency nozzle instead. These nozzles use less water than fixed spray heads and can help reduce the frequency of runoff, helping to reduce water waste.

Plant Wisely
Caring for plants during the summer can be challenging, especially under water restrictions. For gardens, choose drought-tolerant crops, like Rhubarb, Squash, and Zucchini, that can still thrive with minimal water. Applying mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering as well.

Reuse Water
Consider reusing cooking water from activities like boiling pasta for watering plants and using half-full water bottles found in homes and cars for chores such as mopping and washing dishes. Excess ice can also be used by placing it in your pet’s water bowl to ensure they are staying hydrated too.

Using the tips above and adhering to the Brazos River Authority’s restrictions and guidelines will ensure the responsible and sustainable use of resources during this period of water scarcity and throughout the year as well.

Please visit the City of Temple’s Utility Services website to learn more about the current water shortage conditions and restrictions.